Komen Columbus Named Affiliate of the Year

Susan G. Komen is a global leader in the fight against breast cancer with local Affiliates in more than 120 locations in the U.S. and around the world. Each year the organization recognizes one Affiliate that has exhibited the best overall effort in advancing the Komen vision and promise to end breast cancer forever.

This international recognition is truly a reflection of our entire community which includes our supporters, corporate sponsors, current and past volunteers, board members, grantees and our staff.

Since 1993, together we have been champions for women and men who did not have access to basic breast health care in Central and Southeastern Ohio. With the support of volunteers, survivors and breast health advocates, the staff and board of directors have worked to develop a care-focused community grants program that has forged relationships with dozens of partners to close gaps in access and disparities in awareness and education.

Komen Columbus has launched new outreach and education programming, teaming up with Komen Headquarters and other Affiliates to collaborate and pilot new projects, and grown our annual Komen Race for the Cure® into a premiere event in Ohio and one of the largest Race for the Cure events in the world.

The staff adding the final touches the night before the 2013 Race for the Cure.

Because we know every dollar counts, we strive and will continue to be good fiscal stewards of your donations and contributions to maximize the impact in our communities. This year alone, we were able to fund 20 breast health programs and invest our $20 millionth dollar toward the organization’s mission – to save lives and end breast cancer forever.

Our Affiliate’s success is also greatly due to the leadership of Katie Carter, who has been the executive director at our Affiliate for the past 12 years. Under her leadership, we have grown our service area from 18 to 30 counties and Ohio became a “pink state” with all 88 counties covered by an Ohio Affiliate.

“We did this together and we still have much to do,” said Carter, “I look forward to the day when we can announce that a cure has been found for breast cancer. Until that day, we will not rest and we will keep working to bring awareness, fundraise and give hope to those who are currently battling this disease and their families.”